Before administering pain medications, what should be done as part of patient care?

Performing vital assessments before administering pain medications is crucial in patient care because it ensures the patient's overall physiological status is stable enough to safely receive the medication. Pain medications, especially opioids and other strong analgesics, can have significant effects on vital signs, including respiratory rate and blood pressure. By assessing these vital signs, the healthcare provider can identify any potential risks, such as respiratory depression or hypotension, that may arise from the pain medication.

Obtaining the patient's consent is important for ethical and legal reasons, but it typically follows the assessment of the patient's current condition. Documenting the patient’s pain level helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the medication post-administration, yet this occurs after the initial assessments are made to ensure appropriate treatment. Providing a follow-up plan is also an essential component of patient care; however, it comes after the immediate assessments and administration of medication. Thus, the priority lies in ensuring the patient's vital signs are within an acceptable range prior to giving any pain relief medication.